Europe Falls Behind in Clinical Trials Compared to US and China

A new report reveals that Europe has significantly lagged behind the US and China in the realm of pharmaceutical clinical trials over the past decade. This trend poses challenges for the region’s competitiveness in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Decline in Europe’s Share of Clinical Trials
According to a study by IQVIA, commissioned by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and Vaccines Europe, Europe’s share of global clinical trials plummeted from 22% in 2013 to just 12% in 2023. In contrast, Asia, particularly China, has emerged as a dominant force, increasing its share from 8% to 29% during the same period.

Impact of Phase 1 Trials and Future Concerns
Europe has experienced a notable decline in phase 1 trials, which are crucial for assessing safety and dosage. This decrease may lead to a diminished pipeline of future clinical trials, as the knowledge and resources gained from these initial stages are essential for later phases.

Pediatric Trials and Regional Trends
The number of pediatric trials in Europe has also decreased, dropping from 142 in 2012 to 75 in 2023, while global figures show a steady growth of 4%. However, Greece, Portugal, and Slovakia have bucked the overall trend of decline. Spain has emerged as a leader in clinical trial starts, with industry investment rising from €479 million in 2012 to €834 million in 2022.

Factors Contributing to Europe’s Challenges
The report attributes Europe’s declining market share to multiple factors, including increased clinical trial capacity in third countries, the pandemic’s impact on health systems, and new EU regulations. Despite the introduction of the EU Clinical Trial Regulation in January 2023—aimed at fostering an attractive environment for large-scale research—Europe has not significantly improved its position.

Longer Timelines and Recruitment Issues
The report also highlights that clinical trials in Europe, particularly those related to oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, take longer than in the US. Patient recruitment processes are slower, exacerbating the region’s challenges in maintaining a competitive edge in clinical research.